The afternoon sunshine grew ever gentler.
A warm breeze brushed the riverbank, carrying the fragrance of grass and wildflowers.
It brewed this peaceful moment they all shared into a rich wine, intoxicating them.
Chasing butterflies seemed to have finally exhausted her.
Breathing lightly, Sylphy ran back from the lawn nearby.
Just the right amount of exercise had left her fair little face flushed.
She looked like a ripe little apple, and a fine sheen of sweat beaded her smooth forehead, glimmering in the sunlight.
Sylphy settled onto the grass beside Cui Ciyou with complete ease.
Her little body pressed close to him, as though simply being near this person who gave her such boundless reassurance
could help her catch her breath more quickly after all that running.
Sylphy first looked toward the broad stretch of lawn nearby.
Alice was still running and playing tirelessly there, letting out a string of happy laughter;
then Sylphy turned to Teacher Roxy, who was reading quietly beside her, her air as cool and serene as moonlight;
next, she glanced at Ghislaine beneath the distant tree, resting with her eyes closed, her whole figure like a silent statue;
finally, Sylphy raised her head and gazed with her pure, ruby-like eyes at Cui Ciyou's profile, which looked especially gentle in the sunlight.
Her gaze held boundless longing and hope.
Sylphy spoke softly, breaking the momentary silence in a voice so sweet and tender it almost melted into the breeze.
"I... I..."
At her voice, Cui Ciyou set down his half-finished cup of black tea, turned his head, and looked gently at Sylphy beside him.
The girl seemed a little nervous about what she was about to say, her small hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes.
Yet the light in Sylphy's eyes was so innocent,